MALONEY ON BRILLIANT KONE

His work rate and his ability to hold the ball up are as good as anybody in the league."

Shaun Maloney

Ivory Coast international Arouna Kone went into Barclays Premier League double figures with his 81st minute winner against Norwich City on Saturday, meaning his is just three away from breaking Henri Camara’s record of 12 Premier League goals in a season.

Kone’s goals have now directly earned Wigan Athletic six points from the last two games, something which team mate Shaun Maloney says is much appreciated.

“It fills you with confidence when you’ve got someone like Arouna up front”, said Maloney.

“He’s popped up with a superb goal and we really needed that breakthrough moment for what is a really big win.

“His work rate and his ability to hold the ball up are as good as anybody in the league.

“I probably speak for the whole of the squad when I say it’s a pleasure to have him, he’s been a really big part of our season so far and his goals have been crucial.”

Maloney went on to explain that if the players behind Kone do their job then there will be more goals to come, adding:

“As team mates we couldn’t really ask for anymore from Arouna because he works so hard for the team and it is definitely appreciated by us fellow forward players.

“We know that every time we look up for a pass he is there willing to receive the ball.

“As long as we keep working hard to create chances for him then he’ll continue to put the ball in the net like he has so far.”

It was Jordi Gomez who supplied the assist for Kone against Norwich, another player that Maloney was quick to praise, saying:

“It was a great pass for Arouna’s goal at the weekend from Jordi and that sums him up as a player really.

“He can see passes that maybe other players can’t and he’s got the ability to execute it.”